Texas Corporate Name
The name must contain either the word or an abbreviation of "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Company" or "Limited." Symbols cannot be used in the name. Names submitted with superscript letters or numbers or subscript letters or numbers will not appear in that format in the official company name. (For example, H 2 0 would appear as H20.) The name may not contain the word "Lottery." The name must not imply a purpose other than that stated in the Certificate of Formation. It may not be the same as or deceptively similar to the name of any domestic or foreign corporation or reserved or registered name. However, a name already in use may be used if the corporation gets written consent from the user filed with the Secretary of State. Use of words tied to education (such as but not limited to "College," "School" and "Seminary") cannot be used without approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Use of words such as "Bank," "Trust" and those implying ties to Veterans ("Veterans," "War," etc.) also require additional approvals prior to use.
Director information
The following are Texas’s requirements for directors of corporations:
- Minimum number. Corporations must have one or more directors.
- Residence requirements. Texas does not have a provision specifying where directors must reside.
- Age requirements. Texas does not have age requirements.
- Inclusion in the Certificate of Formation. Director names and addresses are required to be listed in the Certificate of Formation.
Requirements for the Certificate of Formation
The document required to form a corporation in Texas is called the Certificate of Formation. The information required in the formation document varies by state. The Texas requirements include:
- Officers. Officer names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Certificate of Formation.
- Stock. Authorized shares and par value must be listed in the Certificate of Formation. An increase in the number of shares or par value does not affect initial filing fees.
- Registered agent. Corporations must list the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no post office boxes) in Texas. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.